MR. EDITOR:- Seeing in your columns persons of different places
giving information in regard to improvements, I would like to
say one word, although I have never written on this subject. The
question of putting in a switch at Struble's Crossing on the Branchville
extension of the Sussex Railroad, had been discussed for some
time; but talk is cheap and of no avail unless you put greenbacks
or shoulders to the wheel. So this section not being as full og
greenbacks as of real estate, we made up our minds to put the
thing through all the hazards, and on the day set for breaking
ground, the sturdy farmers of the valley were on hand with teams,
shovels and picks, and into the work we went. But Jack Frost had
closed up mother earth to the depth of three feet, but these men
of strong nerve did not flinch one inch, but with powder and crowbar
Jack Frost was made to yield, and in about 3 days we had as much
ground graded as we thought was needed to lay our switch. But
business men passing by and seeing our improvements, say you must
have a depot here, and we will give you a boost. That being the
case, we must have more switch room.
We
had to make another effort, and the day was set, and Mr. Case
was to have sent a train of cars and a lot of men; the morning
arrived, but Mr. Case's train was not on hand. But those men who
don't wink at trifles, and never fail in a good cause were on
hand, numbering over twenty with teams and scrapers, and by the
kindness of the track boys who let us have the thing all nicely
fitted up, and went on our way home rejoicing to think that we
had done for ourselves and the railroad more than all the aristocracy
of Lafayette and Branchville. And now one word of respect to Mr.
Case, the Superintendent of the Road; before we hardly had the
grading done, he ordered his most efficient track boss to lay
the switch and I must say that he is one of the most obliging
and persevering men I ever came across, and I am happy to say
that the work is done and cars are run off ready for shipment.
P.S.-Perhaps
I may write again when the depot is built,